LINCOLN, Neb. – A traveling Smithsonian exhibit about the history of Native American veterans in the U.S. military is on display at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park through Sept. 2. “Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces” tells the story of the American Indian and Alaska Native men and women who served in the United States military. Native peoples have participated in every major U.S. military encounter since the Revolutionary War. The 16-panel exhibit includes art, photography and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Your adventures at Niobrara State Park could include a buffalo cookout, a unique portrayal of American history, and munching on s’mores while learning all about geocaching. On July 6, the park will host a buffalo cookout along with the Humanities Nebraska program “Corps of Discovery in Song and Story,” presented by Michael F. McDonald. Through original songs and stories, McDonald will lead a lively celebration of the challenges and adventures faced by the members of Lewis and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Experience prairie wildlife and enjoy time together as a family at a bioblitz to be held July 13 at Denton Prairie. A bioblitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Attendees will have fun exploring the outdoors as they count as many living things as possible in three hours, with teams looking for birds, insects, plants and more. “Bioblitzes are a unique chance to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Water levels at Powder Creek Reservoir in Dixon County will begin to drop July 8 as the beginning of a project to restructure the lake’s fish population. The fishery has been dominated by small panfish in recent years. A drawdown to reduce the lake volume by 40% will crowd predator and prey species. The desired effect is higher predation on panfish, a reduction in the panfish population, and, in the near future, faster growing and larger fish. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved a mountain lion hunting season for 2020 at its meeting June 21 in Alma. The season will provide a harvest opportunity for up to eight mountain lions in two sub-units within the Pine Ridge of northwestern Nebraska. The season will allow the population to remain resilient and healthy, while halting growth or moderately reducing the population size. This will initiate a reduction of the population density in the Pine Ridge …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters have until June 28 to apply for 2019 Nebraska big game draw permits. Residents and nonresidents may apply for one deer permit, residents may apply for one elk permit, and residents and eligible landowners may apply for one antelope permit. The draw permit units are: Deer – Republican Mule Deer, Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area and Frenchman Mule Deer Conservation Area units; Antelope – all firearm and muzzleloader units; Elk – all units. Paper applications must …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in July. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. July 1 – Archery fishing of game fish is allowed statewide through Dec. 31 July 1 – Underwater spearfishing of game fish allowed in certain waters through Dec. 31 July 1-3 – Learn to Hunt Camp, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Northern Natural Gas project to replace pipelines in the Elkhorn River in Dodge County will continue at least through late July. The public is advised to avoid the area where the pipelines were exposed after flooding – north of Highway 91 and south of County Road J. Northern says that neither the pipeline nor efforts to replace it pose a risk to public health and safety. However, any boating, river recreation or vehicular or foot traffic …

Correction: This is being posted again to correct the dates in the third paragraph. LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy an evening of food and outdoor recreation at Red Willow State Recreation Area’s Family Fun Nights. A typical Family Fun Night kicks off at 6 p.m. with a meal provided by the park – you roast the hot dogs. Events start at 7 p.m. and include kayaking, fishing and archery; all equipment is provided. Just before dark, everyone heads back to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend Carp-O-Rama on June 22 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA). This free event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liebers Point. Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch. Other activities include fish printing and Dutch oven cooking …